Hartnell College scored an early goal when a corner kick produced the blueprint for the rest of the game against the Comet’s on Sept. 17 at the Soccer Field.

Within the first minute of the play, the Panther’s forward Saihra Zamandio scored the goal that functioned as the catalyst for Contra Costa College (0-7 overall) to lose 3-0.

The Comet’s failed to score during offensive drives and struggled to keep possession of the ball past the midfield during the entire first half.

CCC trailed by three goals at halftime after the Panther’s managed to score two more goals.

These goals, which managed to get by the Comet goalkeeper Christy Garcia, were scored at 19 minutes and at 45 minutes by center forward Vanessa Moreno and attacking winger Maritza Nava, respectively.

By the end of the game, a solid HC backline limited the Comet’s shots to only three shots. The Panthers finished with 10 shots.

CCC was unable to register a goal to extend its goal drought to six games. Comet defender Deanna Guzman said, “The team needs to shoot more and be more aggressive (in front of goal).”

During the second half, CCC’s players had a heightened sense of urgency as they held more possession and produced more attacking plays up the field.

The Comet’s lack of energy in the first half, however, made it difficult to level the goal deficit.

“Communication (in the second half) was better than the first half,” Comet defender Daniela Flores-Reyes said.

Slow starts have become normal for the Comet’s so far this season. The Comet’s players struggle to harness the energy shown in the second half, into the onset of the game.

The Comet coach Amanda Beckenhauer said because of injuries sustained in the first half; defensive adjustments were necessary to stop HC from extending the goal margin even more.

“Our formation and positioning was off in the first half,” Beckenhauer said. She said during the first half of the game the Comet players were out of position because of injuries.

CCC’s communication and possession was significantly better later in the game. Efforts to stop the Panthers from scoring was much more prevalent in the second half by its backline not allowing another goal.

Beckenhauer said the team has been practicing its long passing in hopes of creating more scoring opportunities for the Comets.

She said while passing has improved, the Comet’s need to focus on finishing the play when they are presented with the opportunity to score. The Comets have left an abundance of scoring opportunities on the field in their most recent contests.

CCC has only managed to score two goals so far during non-conference play.

The Comets will face Solano Community College on Sept. 23 on the Soccer Field.